Ducati NA Claims 10.2% Growth in Q1

Bashing away at the MotoUSA keyboard for nine years now, Madson lends his scribbling and editorial input on everything from bike reviews to industry analysis and motorcycle racing reports.

The Diavel has helped fuel seven consecutive quarters of sales growth for Ducati North America.

Ducati North America claims a 10.2% sales increase for the first quarter of 2012. The Italian company touts “Significant growth in all of its territories (USA, Canada and Mexico) continues to position North America as Ducati’s largest global market.” The Q1 growth marks Ducati NA’s seventh consecutive quarter of sales increases.

“It’s exciting to report this level of sustained retail sales growth, continuing the momentum of our record year in 2011,” said Ducati NA CEO Cristiano Silei in a company press statement. ”We expect this growth to gain even more strength throughout the year, thanks to the imminent introduction of new products across several of Ducati’s motorcycle categories.”

Ducati’s seven quarter streak of growing started with the success of its Multistrada and Diavel models. The Italian marque expects the all-new 2012 model Streetfighter 848 and 1199 Panigale Superbike to continue the trend. It will also introduce a Cromo version of the Diavel in 2012, as well as a Diesel-branded Monster 1100 EVO.

The first quarter sales numbers come at interesting time for Ducati. The Italian firm is reportedly being purchased by German auto giant Audi – with public announcement of the deal imminent.

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Ducati has also been the focus of negative attention owing to the woes of its MotoGP racing program, namely the poor results and lack of contention from factory rider Valentino Rossi. The nine-time world champion made public his frustration with the company’s efforts after poor results in the 2012 season opener at Qatar on April 8. Rossi’s first season with the Ducati team, 2011, saw the Italian’s first-ever win-less campaign in his Grand Prix career.